Around 35 per cent of customers who had completed the CancerAid program then progressed into an AIA Australia wellness program which further assists with occupational rehabilitation.

After completion of the pilot program, which ran last October and involved 50 customers, there was a 39 per cent improvement in the number of patients actively managing their health by tracking their symptoms via the app.

As well as symptom tracking, the program covers: the importance of activity and exercise, diet and nutrition, sleep, and techniques to improve mental health.

Damien Mu, chief executive of AIA Australia and New Zealand, said the CancerAid Health Coaching program would enable those who had been affected by cancer to achieve better health outcomes.

“At AIA we not only pay claims, we want to support our customers and aim to make a difference in their lives,” Mu said.

“Partnering with CancerAid provides an opportunity to do that and help our customers live healthier, longer, better lives.”

Simonie Fox, AIA Australia Group Strategy Manager for rehabilitation and claims, said they had recognised better health outcomes can be achieved if they offer services early.

“We have customers who are able to start the CancerAid Health Coach Program before they have even commenced their chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” Fox said.

“We are able to truly make a difference in the lives of these cancer patients at a time when they are extremely vulnerable.”